Composite bodyboard with increased strength and bonding characteristics
AssigneeMattel, Inc.
InventorSteven M. Moran
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved bodyboard includes a core, an outer covering enclosing the core, and, according to one aspect of the invention, a separation-resistant terpolymeric intermediate layer disposed between and adhesively bonding at least a portion of the core and covering. Preferably, the intermediate layer is a terpolymer based on polyethylene vinylacetate and in the form of a thin, slit-film bonding adhesive. According to another aspect of the invention, a bodyboard core is formed from a plurality of elongate cells joined together in a manner defining a honeycomb structure. Preferably, the cells are extrusions of a polypropylene material. Methods for forming the above are described as well.
Claims43
An improved, multi-layered, composite, bodyboard with increased strength characteristics comprising:
- a core dimensioned to support a rider;
- an outer covering which is thin in relation to the core, generally enclosing the core;
- and
- a separation-resistant terpolymeric intermediate layer disposed between and adhesively bonding together at least a portion of the core and covering.
An improved bodyboard with a fortified interior comprising:
- an elongate core extending along a generally straight central axis between a tail section and a nose section, wherein the core is formed from a plurality of elongate cells joined together in a manner defining a honeycomb-like structure, and wherein the cells are joined together such that each cell's long axis is generally parallel to the core's central axis, thereby providing a core which resists deformation in directions both along and transverse the core's central axis;
- an upper skin covering the core in a manner defining the board's upper surface;
- and
- a lower skin covering the core in a manner defining the board's lower surface.
An improved, fortified bodyboard with increased strength characteristics comprising:
- an elongate core extending along a generally straight central axis between a tail section and a nose section, wherein the core is formed from a plurality of elongate, extruded polypropylene cells joined together in a manner defining a matrix, and wherein the cells are joined together such that each cell's long axis is generally parallel to the core's central axis, thereby providing a core which resists deformation in directions both along and transverse the core's central axis;
- an outer covering which is thin in relation to the core, generally enclosing the core;
- and
- a separation-resistant terpolymeric intermediate layer disposed between and adhesively bonding together at least a portion of the core and covering.
A method of forming an improved, multi-layered, composite bodyboard with increased strength characteristics comprising the steps of:
- forming an elongate, planar bodyboard core having a top and bottom surface;
- forming a thin outer covering for the bodyboard;
- disposing a terpolymeric intermediate layer between at least a portion of the core and covering;
- and
- adhesively bonding the intermediate layer to the core and covering so that a separation-resistant bond is formed therebetween.
A method of forming an improved, deformation-resistant bodyboard comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of elongate, strand-like cells which have been joined together to form a matrix;
- forming the matrix into a bodyboard core which extends along a generally straight central axis between a tail section and a nose section, wherein the cells are joined together and formed into the core in a manner such that most, if not all of the cells' long axes are generally parallel to the core's central axis;
- and
- covering the core with an outer skin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.